During oil change at dealer yesterday for my 2010 Mini (56K miles) the technician claimed to have found low coolant level, cracked water pump, and a leaking timing chain tensioner.

I did not have work done and took for second opinion/price to another shop (that I thought did minis).

Second shop said he could see no leaks for coolant or oil. I trust the dealer, not having a reason not to, but on the other hand I'm concerned the second shop found nothing.

I should have asked the dealer to show me the leaks, didn't think of it. There is a local BMW specialist, best to take it there and get a third opinion I imagine.

Anyone know if there was a recall on the water pumps or tensioners?

 

Digging around this forum I see now there was no recall on these, but apparently lots of issues.

 

Timing chain tensioners wear out by 50,000 mi. Replacing mine now at 44,000 on a 2009 Mini Cooper S. My thermostat housing cracked at 41,000 (plastic). My water pump is still good, but replaced water pump/AC belt at 41,000 mi with thermostat. Before timing chain replacement and the plastic tensioner, I replaced the screw-in chain tensioner and a crankcase heater as my Mini lives outside in No. Nevada. I hope this helps on your Mini.

 

The recall just started a few months ago for the timing chain, call Mini USA with your VIN and see what they say. There is a recall for the aux water pump too, either the tech misspoke or that dealer is pulling a fast one.

 

Thanks for your input, guys. @zrickety: dealer says recall is for S models and was due to faulty tensioners stretching chains out, at least that is how it was explained to me.

Landsail: yeah I'm just thinking they both need replaced soon either way so I'm not stressing about it. Thanks for letting me know this is normal. I've seen others with similar feedback, so it looks par for the course.

 

The dealer is compensated for warranty work, they have no reason to turn it down, unless they are busy and there is a line of customers waiting to pay cash.

 

Correct jcarroll. Same with maintenance agreement work, dealer is paid by Mini for work performed; each oil change, air filter, etc.

On a few things they actually receive more from Mini than from customers on some jobs. Mini pays my dealer around $90 tp perform an oil change under service agreement. If I pay it costs me $65. For mechanical repairs I imagine the opposite is true though I do not know and do not care.

 

Called BMW customer service, my 2009 Cooper S does not qualify . It does need the turbo oil feed line heat shield recall. Guess I have to visit Mini of Reno.